Activists Call for a Ceasefire in Gaza from Within the U.S. Senate

Dozens of activists, urging the United States to pressure for a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, staged a brief protest inside a building housing U.S. Senate offices on Monday before being dispersed by police, who detained dozens of them. The protest was organized by groups including the American Campaign for Palestinian Rights and Jewish Voice for Peace, with participants demanding that the U.S. government allocate funds for local priorities like affordable housing and childcare instead of increasing military supplies to Israel. Police arrested one activist after he climbed a 15.5-meter-tall black steel sculpture by artist Alexander Calder. Others chanted "Ceasefire now" while standing hand-in-hand wearing shirts with the slogan "Invest in Life." The Capitol Police stated they arrested a total of 51 protesters. Reuters photos show activists participating in civil disobedience inside the Hart Senate Office Building, which is part of the complex containing many offices for members and committees of the Senate.